DECATUR, Ga. -- DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James will host an event next month to benefit pets in need of loving homes.

Paws for the Cause will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glenlake Park. It is hosted by James' office as well as DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement, Animal Action Resue and Village Vets.

"Protecting animals from cruel and neglectful behavior is one of my top priorities," James said in a statement. "These partnerships are essential to combating animal cruelty in our community and promoting animal adoption."

In addition to music, food and other activities, Paws for the Cause attendees can take advantage of low-cost microchipping and immunizations. All creatures, two- and four-legged alike, are invited to attend.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- "I've done everything from sales to marketing, accounting," said Emily Griffith. But one day nine years ago, long after most people have chosen their life's path, Griffith found a new one.

"I was early in my 40's, and I had no idea I knew how to paint," she said.

Turns out Griffith was a natural, and even though she calls a first painting of her dog primitive, it's still better than most people could ever do.

"The more you paint, the more your eye gets trained," she said humbly.

Almost 1,000 paintings later, Griffith is a renowned painter -- of pets.

"That's what I'm known for is capturing the dog's personality," she said.

Especially when that dog is the dawg -- Ugga. Griffith has painted Uggas 7, 8 and 9.

She also painted actress Tori Spelling's dog, who died.

And she's painted hundreds of not so famous pets, no less adored by their owners.

Summer in the south is officially here! With rising temperatures, it is important to take steps to protect those around us who might be vulnerable to the heat, like our children and pets.

Did you know that we lose heat by sweating? Water literally evaporates into the atmosphere and sucks the heat out of our bodies. Children produce even more heat than adults. This is because they have more body surface for their height. Children are also closer to the ground – and to hot pavement. They can easily become dehydrated or overheated.

ATLANTA - If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half-chewed shoe or an overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local Humane Society. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a companion for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.

ATLANTA - If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half-chewed shoe or an overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local Humane Society. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a companion for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.

ATLANTA - If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half-chewed shoe or an overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local Humane Society. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a companion for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.